Women’s Rights, Racial Integration, and Education From 1850–1920 : The Case of Sarah Raymond, the First Female Superintendent

Although she held an important position of educational leadership for eighteen years, Sarah Raymond Fitzwilliam’s story has been largely overlooked. This historical biography of Fitzwilliam examines her abolitionist roots growing up on a stop of the Underground Railroad, her training at a “normal school,” her tenure as a teacher, principal and the nation’s first city school superintendent (Bloomington, Illinois 1874-1892). In the process, Noraian also chronicles American society during the Gilded and Progressive ages. Contents......Page 6 Acknowledgments......Page 8 One: Introduction......Page 12 Two: The Early Years......Page 30 Three: The Illinois State Normal University Years......Page 46 Four: Teacher and Principal of Bloomington Schools......Page 78 Five: Superintendent of Bloomington Schools......Page 94 Six: The Resignation......Page 124 Seven: Leading beyond the Schools: Community Involvement in Bloomington, Boston, and Chicago......Page 136 Appendix Literature Review......Page 146 Notes......Page 164 Bibliography......Page 182 C......Page 196 H......Page 197 P......Page 198 V......Page 199 Y......Page 200 This historical biography examines Sarah Raymond Fitzwilliam's abolitionist roots growing up on a stop of the Underground Railroad, her training at a 'normal school,' her tenure as a teacher, principal and the nation's first city school superintendent (Bloomington, Illinois 1874-1892). This biography of Sarah Raymond Fitzwilliam examines her abolitionist roots growing up on a stop of the Underground Railroad, her training at a "normal school," her tenure as a teacher, principal and the nation's first city school superintendent (Bloomington, Illinois 1874-1892)